Why not jump into your car, head to your nearest airport and have a fun filled city break weekend? Below I have summarised my recommendations for a great weekend away, including some hidden gems in each city that you won’t find on the normal tourist itineraries.
We all have that feeling, (especially when it is rapidly becoming winter) when we just need to get away. Don’t let a lack of work holiday days, or a tight budget stop you! A weekend away is what you need and a city break is the perfect solution to ensuring you do not waste your precious free time lounging in front of the telly.
GO AWAY AND EXPLORE… Grab a friend or two and find some affordable flights. Expedia and Cheapflights.com have some great deals to many incredible European cities.
You will be surprised how much you can fit into your weekend. At the bare minimum your weekend could consist of a whole day of touristy sightseeing, and a night of fine dining/ drinking. This is already miles better than debating whether to go to the same boring pub you are at every weekend or just stay in (as it is raining).
I have put together a list of my favourite European weekend destinations. Â
I want you to have a great time, so slightly reluctantly I have divulged a great bar/restaurant in each city. The reason I say ‘reluctantly’ is because for some of these cities I like to think of these places as the local’s best kept secrets.
Go and enjoy a weekend in one of these fantastic cities, and if you by any chance visit one of my recommended bar/restaurant feel free to give feedback.
- LisbonÂ
Pai Tirano
Don’t be underwhelmed by the entrance, once you walk through to this is a unknown gem you may not leave till the early hours. This bar is in a small neighbourhood where you can really feel immersed in Portuguese culture with welcoming locals and fun music. - Bucharest
La Copac
Tucked away from the city noise and traffic, this restored house in Romania’s capital has a garden with a beautiful 80-year-old chestnut tree in the middle – hence the name, that serves traditional and hearty Romanian food with locally-sourced organic ingredients. So you can go on tours in Bucharest for the tourist experience and then to this cosy restaurant for the local feeling! - BarcelonaÂ
Venus Delicatessen
This is situated in the Gothic Quarter, and this is definitely an area you are going to want to be in for your city break, it is in my opinion the best part of Barcelona by far! This restaurant has a great vibe (particularly for dinner) friendly staff and lovely food. - LjubljanaÂ
Zlati Zob (The Gold Tooth)
If you visit this pub I would advise sampling their huge variety of Slovenia’s classic – Schnapps. Soak up a fun gypsy vibe whilst listening to live Balkan music (most nights from 9pm). - BerlinÂ
Berghain Club
This is no secret club, it is listed in most guides, I have included it in my list as I consider this club to be one of the worlds’ best! Prepare yourself for a BIG night as the parties tent to run on for days… so if you are visiting Berlin you must check out the incredible clubbing scene. - PragueÂ
Jazz Dock
If you love Jazz this is the place for you! Prague is a great city with unbelievably cheap beer, so for beer lovers. It is full of some of the best bars, making it difficult for me to select just one. However, this bar stuck out for me, I can guarantee you that it is a safe bet for an excellent night. Great music and great beer – what are you waiting for? Additional free but pricesless bonus for you will be the stunning sights at night in Prague on your way there! - EdinburghÂ
Micheal Neave Kitchen and Whiskey Bar
You may have been recommended this bar by others, it is well known by locals and often suggested by friends as a place to see. They are right , it is so great I had to include it here. The food is above and beyond! Enjoy a luxurious and long evening topped off with a wide selection of fine whiskey. - StockholmÂ
Sturehof
Stockholm is not cheap, nor is this bar but it’s something I don’t think you should miss out on! At the very least wonder around the area as it is in an extremely trendy part of town with an exciting weekend buzz. Sturehof has a variety of rooms with different styles, from an intimate cozy lounge to a bustling classy bar. Perfect for whatever night you are planning.
